Sri Garudadeva
Vainateya Yajna
Ashta Dikpalaka Avahana
Brahmotsava Vishesha alankara
Arati during Abhisheka

Sri Brahmotsava is an annual festival celebrated in Chaitra-masa (April – May) to commemorate the appearance of Their Lordships by the installation of the Deities in the temple on Hare Krishna Hill. It is one of the grandest festivals of the ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple; this year, the celebrations will span 12 days, from 12 to 23 April 2025. In 1997, the Supreme Lord descended on Hare Krishna Hill to bestow His mercy upon us, and this occasion is celebrated as Brahmotsava. This year will be the 28th annual Brahmotsava of Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra.

The Lord cannot be perceived through our physical senses as He possesses a spiritual form of sat-cit-ananda (eternity, knowledge, and bliss). In order to perceive the Lord’s spiritual form, we must be situated on a pure spiritual platform free from all material contaminations of the three gunas (sattva, raja, tamas). Currently, we may still be possessing material impurities. Still, we have the opportunity to serve the Lord in His Deity form and purify ourselves to develop devotion to the Supreme Lord.

Brahmotsava is celebrated in all Vaishnava Temples with grandeur. Especially the Srivari Brahmotsavam celebrated in Tirumala is by far the biggest. Lord Venkateshwara or Sri Balaji is taken out in a procession every day on various vahanas (vehicles) like Adi Sesha Vahana, Hamsa Vahana, Simha Vahana, Kalpa Vriksha Vahana, Garuda Vahana, Hanumad Vahana, Gaja Vahana, Surya Prabha Vahana, Ashva Vahana, and more. The celebrations attract lakhs of pilgrims from various parts of the world.

Pre-preparations for Sri Brahmotsava

On the evening before Dhvaja Arohana, the Garuda-dhvaja is worshipped, and a Vainateya Homa is performed. The other major rituals are Vishwaksena-aradhana, Dvara-puja, Mrit-sangrahana, Ankurarpana, and Raksha-bandhana. These rituals are performed to seek protection of Their Lordships and sanctification of the festival paraphernalia.

The Brahmotsava festival begins with Dhvaja Arohana, hoisting the Garuda-dhvaja (flag carrying the emblem of Garuda) on the Garuda Stambha. During Dhvaja Arohana, devotees invite various devatas to participate in the festival by reciting important mantras and special musical notes.

Brahma Rathotsava

Brahma Rathotsava, the anniversary of the appearance day of the Deities, will be celebrated on 21 Apr 2025. Sri Radha Krishnachandra will ride in a specially carved wooden chariot known as Brahma Ratha on this auspicious occasion. They will be offered a churna abhisheka (an elaborate ceremonial bath) and theppotsava (boat ride) on the following days.

Brahmotsava Homa

Each day of the 13-day celebration begins with a Brahmotsava homa ceremony commencing at 8:45 AM, where an array of Vedic mantras, including the Purusha Sukta, are recited. All are cordially invited to participate in the homa and receive the blessings of Sri Radha Krishnachandra.

Utsava Vahanas for Sri Radha Krishnachandra and Spectacular Cultural Programs

Every evening, the Utsava Deities of Sri Radha Krishnachandra are beautifully adorned in unique alankaras and carried in a procession around the temple on various Vahanas, accompanied by joyous kirtans. Following the Vahanotsava, the celebration continues with cultural programs by esteemed artists offering Sangita Seva (musical concerts), Natya Seva (theatrical plays), or Nritya Seva (dance performances). The celebrations conclude with Dolotsava, the swing festival in which the utsava Deities will be swung gently on a beautifully decorated swing, accompanied by melodious devotional songs for the pleasure of Their Lordships.

The festival will conclude with the Dhvaja Avarohana ceremony (lowering of the Garuda flag) and maha-samprokshana on 23 Apr 2025.

Spiritual leaders, distinguished guests, and lakhs of devotees from all over India will participate in this 13-day event, which will provide a unique opportunity for everyone to join in the festivities and experience divine bliss.

We invite you to join us for this festival celebration and be blessed.

Here is an opportunity to offer your service to Their Lordships and be a part of the Brahmotsava.